Encouragement For Bonus MomsНамуна

Affirmations  

by Karolyn Dicken

I would bet that my husband and I daily receive approximately 17 random “I love you’s” from our youngest child. He will literally be playing by himself in his room and yell out, “I love you!” From the restroom, “I love you!”. Twenty minutes after, I’m convinced he’s fallen asleep, “I love you!” It’s one of his most endearing qualities. 

I was thinking about this characteristic the other day and how sweet and meaningful the spontaneous affirmation is. It made me think about my relationship with the Lord—how I’d love to be the kind of daughter that randomly, consistently, and frequently shouted out, “I love you!” to my Heavenly Father as I moved throughout my day. However, this isn’t who I am – yet. I tend to get bogged down by my endless to-do lists, juggling full-time work, and intentional parenting and trying to be the best that I can but often struggling with where I’ve inevitably fallen short. 

Since becoming a parent to my bonus son over eight years ago (and adding a couple more biological ones along the way), my interactions with the Lord hadn’t had the depth, consistency, or fervor that I had when I was single with fewer responsibilities. I’ve often allowed this to be what deterred me from spending time with Him. I realize how much I’ve allowed these excuses to hinder my growth in becoming more like Jesus, and I’m committed to changing those old habits. Even if it’s *only* ten minutes, I’m going to be in the Word. Also, if it’s *only* worship music while I’m busy driving, I’m going to soak it up. Even if it’s *only* a random, “I love you,” I’m going to pour it out to Him. Because even more than I love when my children come to me with their hearts and spontaneous affection, He loves and delights when we go to Him with ours. 

QUESTION TO PONDER What excuses have you allowed to get in your way in your relationship with Jesus? What characteristics do you see in your children that remind you of our God? 

WHAT’S NEXT  Write down some affirmations or scriptures that you find encouraging and post them in visible places around your home this week.